• Findmypast is encouraging family historians to trace their ancestors’ stories from the eve of war to victory in the run up to VE Day 80^th anniversary 

• From 1 April until 9 May, you’ll be able to access the 1939 Register free on the site 

• Discover where they were living and their wartime contributions through unique details like Civilian Occupations, exclusive to Findmypast 

• From here, delve deeper into their experiences through over 90m newspaper pages, millions of military records, and historical photographs

• Plus, help tell the nation’s wartime stories by contributing to specially created new Collections showcasing VE Day celebrations across the country

In the run up to the 80^th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Findmypast is inviting the public to delve into their family’s wartime experiences from the eve of war to victory. From 1 April to 9 May, Findmypast will provide free access to the 1939 Register, enabling users to uncover where their ancestors were living during the early stages of World War II and discover their unique contributions to the war effort.

The 1939 Register, often referred to as the ‘wartime census’, is a valuable resource that provides a snapshot of life on the eve of the Second World War. In particular, members can explore their ancestors’ wartime roles through detailed civilian occupation data exclusive to Findmypast and learn more about their lives on the home front.

Once they have uncovered their family in the 1939 Register, members can delve deeper and trace their family in over 90 million newspaper pages, an extensive collection of military records, and poignant historical photographs. These records enable everyone the opportunity to understand their ancestors’ experiences of war, whether they were ARP first responders battling the Blitz, land girls keeping the country fed, or soldiers facing the enemy in battle.

Findmypast is also inviting members to participate in preserving the memories of VE Day by contributing to newly created Collections showcasing wartime celebrations across the UK. Launching at the end of April, these special Collections will highlight the personal accounts, photographs, and memories of VE Day as experienced by families across the country.

How to Access the Free 1939 Register:

• Free access to the 1939 Register is available from 1 April until 9 May on Findmypast’s website.

• Simply visit Findmypast.com and sign up for an account to begin exploring your family’s wartime history.

Sarah Bush, Managing Director of Findmypast said: “VE Day marked a momentous victory, but it was also a testament to the resilience, sacrifices, and spirit of families across the UK. Start your journey of discovery by searching in the 1939 Register for free to find your ancestors on the eve of war. Then delve deeper into your ancestors’ wartime experiences within Findmypast’s vast archive of newspapers, military records, and photographs, and gain a deeper understanding of how this turbulent period shaped their lives.”